Could you brief us about C and C Laser Engineering (CnC Laser) & its offerings?

C And C Laser Engineering Pvt Ltd provides lasers as well as laser based marking, engraving, micro-machining systems and the services for such applications. The technology of laser marking is demanding because the laser processing method is a non-contact procedure, but it is permanent. Lasers can mark on all metals, non-metals, whether the part is bare, painted, powder-coated, anodised or hardened. Laser marking machines can mark 2D barcodes for identification where in the user can add the entire history of the production of the part into a code that can as small as possible. The identification marking being non-contact, permanent & personalised is the USP of our systems.

What factors are driving demand in the laser technology/solutions market in India?

The laser technology/solutions market in India is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing adoption in healthcare, manufacturing, and other sectors. Key factors include advancements in laser technology, rising demand for high-speed internet, and the use of laser-based solutions in various industries. Advances in photonics technology, increased oil and gas demand, medical, favourable government investments, increased demand for lasers in military and defence sectors, and more applications are all driving up demand for laser technology.

How is CnC Laser catering to the needs of the machine tools industry?

To effectively address the needs of the machine tool industry, our company is focusing on several key areas: offering advanced technologies, providing comprehensive support, and fostering a collaborative environment. This includes embracing Industry 4.0 principles, investing in talent development, and working closely with customers to develop tailored solutions. 

What are key challenges before the machine tools industry?

The machine tools industry faces challenges like high initial investment costs, material quality issues, and evolving customer demands, including the shift towards electric vehicles. We address these by focusing on efficient resource management, implementing strict quality controls, and developing flexible and adaptable solutions for diverse customer needs. 

Several common issues can affect machine performance, including wear and tear, misalignment, and mechanical failures. These problems can lead to downtime and increased repair costs, impacting overall productivity. Our preventative maintenance programs play a crucial role in extending the life of machine tools.

What advantages do lasers offer over conventionally used technologies?

Lasers offer several advantages over conventional technologies due to their unique properties like high energy concentration, precision, and versatility. These advantages lead to faster processing speeds, reduced maintenance, and increased accuracy in various applications.

Unlike traditional methods such as polishing or cutting, laser processing technology does not involve direct contact between the tool and the material being processed. This eliminates wear and tear and the need for oil replenishment, leading to a reduction in maintenance time and costs.

Do you offer customised solutions in the machine tools space?

We do offer custom solutions in machine tools, which can be tailored to specific needs. In fact, many of our machines are customised according to the customer’s requirements. Many customers from the tools industry have a database of their products that need to be identified with a permanent marking. Some of these customers have the identification data to be relayed from their server, which can be achieved with our machines.

How is the growing trend toward automation influencing your laser solution designs?

The growing trend towards automation is significantly influencing laser solution designs by driving the integration of intelligent features like AI and machine learning, focusing on real-time monitoring and optimisation, and incorporating IoT connectivity for remote control and data access. This leads to more efficient, precise, and user-friendly laser systems that can adapt to various manufacturing needs. 

How do your laser solutions enhance precision, speed, or cost-efficiency when integrated with traditional or CNC machine tools?

Laser integration with traditional or CNC machine tools significantly enhances precision, speed, and cost-efficiency by enabling precise cutting, welding, and surface treatment processes. Our laser systems offer high accuracy, reducing material waste and increasing material utilisation. They also boost production speed and minimise downtime, leading to faster completion of projects. Furthermore, the versatility of our laser systems allows for cost-effective production across varying batch sizes and reduces the need for specialised equipment and tooling.

How critical is access to timely and affordable finance for SMEs to sustain growth in the highly uncertain marketplace? What are the key challenges they face while accessing finances?

Access to finance plays a major role in the entrepreneurship development and economic growth of the company. It encourages new entrepreneurial initiatives. Timely access to finance sustains the survival and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A survey was conducted in 400 MSMEs from various industrial clusters across India. The samples were selected using the quota sampling technique. The conceptual framework was developed and tested using the structural equation model (SEM). Results show that firm attributes, sources of finance, and the life cycle of an MSME have a significant positive impact on its access to finance, whereas financial obstacles have a negative impact that prevents the growth of MSME and affects the economic growth of the nation.

What would your suggestions be to the government and banks/NBFCs for solving the funding challenges of SMEs?

One way to reduce financing obstacles for SMEs is to strengthen the infrastructure that supports financial transactions, including laws, regulations and institutions to create, register and enforce collateral, insolvency regime and credit reporting tools. The most influential factors were availability of financial resources, networking, and adoption of technology which were highlighted by over 80% of the studies as critical success factors for SMEs. To have the most impact, banks need to focus on the real needs of SMEs, get the basics right, transform their credit operations, and become more flexible. Banks also have an opportunity to revolutionise their relationship with SMEs by leveraging and developing the SME ecosystem via new platform models.

What are emerging trends in the laser technology space? How is CnC Laser gearing up to tap these trends?

Emerging trends in laser technology include automation and AI integration, enhanced laser sources like ultrafast and green lasers, and the integration of robotics and AI for improved material handling and optimisation. CnC Laser is likely gearing up to capitalise on these trends by incorporating these advancements into their systems, improving efficiency, precision, and adaptability across various materials and applications. 

What are your growth plans for CnC Laser?

C And C Laser Engineering Pvt Ltd will be starting a laser manufacturing and repair CO₂ centre in India by mid of 2025. The centre would also be manufacturing lasers, provide extensive service for the lasers manufactured by us and also for most of the lasers manufactured by our principal companies. C And C Laser Engineering Pvt Ltd plans to install IR-GR-UV-CO2 (nanosecond, picosecond, femtosecond) Laser marking, engraving, micro-machining, welding, cutting systems all under one roof, very shortly.